(76)

should with energy address itself to the task of laying
such foundations for the collection of an adequate re-
venue as must enable it with confidence to look for aid
from the British Parliament.

In point of abstract justice, I can see no objection to
requiring the Native population to contribute their fair
proportion to the revenue. They are now very gene-
rally acquiring much valuable property; they are se-
cured by the Government in the possession of their
lands; they are beginning to feel the advantages of
security of life and property, which they have never
hitherto known; and it is difficult to see, why they
should not be expected to do so, as they are well able to
do, for advantages which if not afforded to them, they
must necessarily retrograde into their former state of
barbarism.

With regard to the second class of laws to which I
propose to direct your attention, namely, those which
relate to the extension of a prompt and vigorous admi-
nistration of Justice over as large a portion as practica-
ble of this territory, it must be conceded that there
probably, (looking to the native population as well as
to the dispersed nature, character, and pursuits of a
portion of the European population), never existed a
country or circumstances which required that the ad-
ministration of Justice should be more prompt and
vigorous than in New Zealand; yet, owing to the pe-
culiar character of some of the local enactments which
affect Her Majesty's subjects of both races, I doubt
if there is in any portion of the British possessions, in
which the administration of justice is so feeble, indeed,
I might say so impracticable. You will, therefore, I
trust consider, that you have no more important and
pressing duty to perform than to reconsider the various
Ordinances to which I allude, to determine what por-
tion of those powers which are generally regarded as of
right belonging to a Justice of the Peace should be res-
tored to the Magistrates of this territory; what steps
should be taken for remedying the defects which have
been found to exist in the "Native Exemption Ordi-
nance," and whether any, or what, modifications can
be advantageously introduced into the various Rules
which exist. I have directed that several
measures, which I trust will have this effect, should be
prepared for your consideration. I shall be glad if you
can give these measures a more perfect form than that
in which they have been submitted, or if you can de-
vise others better calculated to meet the important ends
contemplated.

I have directed that a Despatch from the Secretary of
State should be laid before you, which relates to three
local Ordinances, in which I am about to propose va-
rious amendments for your adoption.

The most important measures relating to the Na-
tives which it is my intention to submit to you, have
for their object the introduction into this country of
such modifications of the British Law as appear
adapted to the present state of the Native population;
and at the same time to accustom them
by degrees to take an active part in the adminis-
tration of the laws of their country: a great step in
advance which, if it can be made, appears to me more
likely than any other I am acquainted with, to attach
them, by the ties of interest and a sense of benefits re-
ceived, to those Institutions which we have introduced
amongst them.

Already some progress has been recently made in the
attainment of this object, as the Natives when employed
in the Police force, and paid, fed, and clothed in all
respects in the same manner as Europeans, have not
only proved active and valuable constables, but have so
completely emancipated themselves from their former
prejudices as not to hesitate to assist in the apprehension
of offenders of their own race, whatever might be their
rank or influence.

I shall also recommend to your consideration mea-
sures which will secure to the Natives the expenditure
for their advantage of a fair share of the proportionate
amount which they contribute to the revenue; either
for the support of hospitals, the education of orphan
children, or for purposes of a similar character. And
above all, I trust, that you may be able to devise some
means which will prevent European fathers from aban-
doning, and leaving in a state of destitution and misery,
those of the native race.

The latest accounts which have reached me from
the northern and southern portions of this Island, in
which disturbances have at various times prevailed,
are of the most satisfactory character; but I must
confess that I, in my own mind, attach now but com-
paratively little importance to these disturbances.
What can be effected in this country by the gallantry
of the officers and men, composing Her Majesty's forces
has now been fully evinced upon many occasions; it
has also been ascertained that the settlers are willing
and able (far beyond what I had expected) to protect
their homes and families and to drive off an invading
foe: and above all we have in every instance found
that the great mass of the native population, have
not only invariably declared themselves upon the side
of the Government, but have also by their services in
the field given practical proof of the sincerity of their
declarations and of their warm attachment to the
British race. Undoubtedly they have always shewn
an anxiety that the local Government should evince
by the strength of the Force at its disposal, that it had
the means of securing the permanent tranquility of
the country and of assuring the ultimate safety of
those tribes who might come forward upon the side
of good order; but it was not to be expected that tribes
just emerging from a state of barbarism, subjected
to various prejudices and dreading the animosity of
their own excited countrymen would hesitate to com-
municate, having been for years a terror to the country, unless
they saw that the Government was determined to
support them, and that it had at its disposal a force
which would enable it to give effect to those deter-
minations.

In conclusion I must congratulate your Excellency and the
inhabitants of the Colony generally upon the compara-
tive prosperity which prevails throughout these Islands,
a prosperity which has not only ameliorated the con-
dition of Her Majesty's subjects of European descent,
but which has also produced a marked influence upon
the native population, who are now not only in many
instances pursuing improved modes of agriculture, but
are also growing large quantities of grain for their own
consumption and for sale to the Europeans. I can only
trust that during the interval which must elapse ere the
Legislation of the Colony is entrusted to other hands,
we may succeed in promoting this dawning prosperity,
and in laying the foundation of laws and institutions
which may not only suffice for the present emergency,
but may tend to the permanent and enduring welfare of
this country.

(Signed)

Council Chamber,
Auckland, Oct. 5th, 1846.

G. GREY..

Auckland :-Printed by JOHN WILLIAMSON, for the
New Zealand Government.